2020 - 2021 Program Brochure

EmergyCare-UPMC-CEM

Paramedic Training Consortium

Paramedic Training Program

1926 Peach Street Erie, PA 16502 (814) 870-1010

www.EmergyCare.org

2020 - 2021 Paramedic Programs

The EmergyCare-UPMC-CEM Paramedic Training Consortium is pleased

to announce their 2020 - 2021 Paramedic Training Programs. These

programs are designed for individuals 18 years of age or older who

have current (non-expired) EMT certifications in the Commonwealth of

Pennsylvania. Participants who successfully complete one of these

program are eligible to take the National Registry of Paramedics

certification exams to earn their Pennsylvania and National Registry

certification as a paramedic.

Program # 1 Program # 2

LOCATION: Superior Ambulance LOCATION: EmergyCare - Erie

921 E Main St. Ext. 1926 Peach Street

Grove City, PA 16127 Erie, PA 16502

DATE: January 6, 2020-January 9, 2021 DATE: January 8, 2020-January 11, 2021

TIMES/DAYS: Monday & Wednesday Evenings TIMES/DAYS: Monday & Wednesday Evenings

6:00pm - 10:00pm 6:00pm - 10:00pm

and and

Every other Saturday Every other Saturday

8:00am - 4:30pm 8:00am - 4:30pm

* 1st Saturday session is 1/11/20 * 1st Saturday session is 1/11/20

Program # 3 LOCATION: EmergyCare - Erie

1926 Peach Street

Erie, PA 16502

DATE: July 6, 2020-July 9, 2021

TIMES/DAYS: Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays

12:00pm - 4:00pm

EmergyCare-UPMC-CEM Paramedic Training Program

EmergyCare recognizes that quality prehospital care is a vital part of the overall health care system. Paramedics are an integral part of that system. Quality education of paramedics is indispensable.

EmergyCare has been offering Paramedic education for over 27 years. The program delivers the quality education necessary to provide competent entry-level paramedics who are able to function in the ever-changing field of Prehospital care.

In 2014 EmergyCare formed a consortium with the Center for Emergency Medicine and UPMC in Pittsburgh, PA. The consortium oversees all aspects of the program as well as provides the student an avenue, if desired, for college credits towards an undergraduate degree in emergency medicine from the University of Pittsburgh.

The EmergyCare-UPMC-CEM Paramedic Program meets or exceeds all minimum national and Pennsylvania training requirements and is based upon the National Education Standards for EMS Education. Upon successful completion of the program students are eligible for certification in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. To be certified the student must successfully pass the National Registry Paramedic Psychomotor Skills Exam and the National Registry CBT Exam. The EmergyCare-UPMC-CEM Paramedic Program is 1140 hours in length consisting of 16 to 44 hours per week (depending on clinical/field scheduling) for 53 consecutive weeks. The program uses a combination of lecture, lab, hospital clinicals and field internship designed to give the student a comprehensive education. The program follows a progression of didactic and lab sessions to in-hospital clinicals to field experience/internship in order that the student may integrate theory with practice. The faculty of the program is composed of experienced educators, active prehospital providers, nurses and emergency physicians. The goal of the program is to prepare competent entry-level Paramedics in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains with or without exits points at the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician and/or Emergency Medical Technician, and/or Emergency Medical Responder levels.

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ACCREDITATION

The EmergyCare-UPMC-CEM Paramedic Program is accredited by the Pennsylvania

Department of Health and the EMMCO West Regional Council.

Pennsylvania Department of Health Health and Welfare Building

625 Forster Street Harrisburg, PA 17120 Office: 877.724.3258

Fax: 717.787.0191 www.health.state.pa.us

EMMCO West, Inc. 16271 Conneaut Lake Road

Meadville, PA 16335 Office: 814.337.5380

Fax: 814.337.0871 www.emmco.org

The EmergyCare-UPMC-CEM Paramedic Training Consortium is accreditated by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Education Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Profession (www.coaemsp.org).

To contact CAAHEP 25400 US Highway 19 North Suite 158

Clearwater, FL 33763 727-210-2350

www.caahep.org

To contact CoAEMSP 8301 Lakeview Parkway Suite 111‐312

Rowlett, TX 75088 214‐703‐8445

FAX 214‐703‐8992 www.coaemsp.org

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ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Students interested in applying for admission to the paramedic program must be:

o At least 18 years of age

o A High School graduate or equivalent

o Currently CPR certified

o Currently certified as an EMT in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

o Able to perform all the duties and requirements as stated in the Functional

Job Description of the Paramedic

o Be able to pass the following criminal history background checks:

▪ Act 34 PA State Criminal History Record Check

▪ Act 114 PA Cogent Finger Printing FBI Criminal History Check

▪ Act 151 PA Dept. of Public Welfare Child Abuse History Check

Prior to acceptance into the program, applicants must complete and submit an online application and pay a $35.00 nonrefundable application fee. Applicants may, at the discretion of the admissions committee, be asked to meet the following additional requirements:

- Submit a letter of recommendation from a personal reference who is not a member of the applicant’s immediate household.

- Have a Letter of Evaluation completed by a current or previous EMS Supervisor or Chief.

- Submit a Letter of Personal Statement explaining why the applicant wants to be a paramedic

- Sit for a scheduled interview. - Pass a written EMS Competency exam.

Applicants accepted into the program will be notified by mail or e-mail. Those not accepted will also be sent notification by mail or e-mail and given an explanation. They will be eligible to reapply for a future program.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT/CREDITS

There are no provisions for advanced placement, life experience credit or transfer of

credits to the EmergyCare-UPMC-CEM Paramedic Program.

The program is a certificate program that does not automatically result in college credits. However, those who successfully complete the program and wish to pursue an undergraduate degree in emergency medicine through the University of Pittsburgh may apply on their own for credits at the University. Students should contact the University of Pittsburgh – Office of Admissions (412.647.4547 or www.pitt.edu/admissions) for admission requirements.

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TUITION/FEES

TUITION COST: $7500.00 Tuition cost includes:

- All course lectures, labs, clinical & field experiences. - Student liability insurance for the length of the course. - Platinum Planner electronic student scheduler/tracking. - International Trauma Life Support Certification Fee. - Clinical/Field Uniform Shirt.

ADDITIONAL COSTS: $600.00 (estimated)

Additional fees are for: - AAOS Emergency Care in the Streets 2 vol. Textbook set. - Advanced Cardiac Life Support Provider Manual. - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Provider Manual. - ITLS for Emergency Care Providers – 8th Edition - EMS Testing student account.

No financial aid is available through the EmergyCare-UPMC-CEM Paramedic Program.

TUITION PAYMENT PLANS

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PROGRAMS # 1 & 2

Payment #1: A minimum of $1,000.00 is due on or before 4:00pm on 12/06/2019. Payment # 2: A minimum of $1,000.00 is due on or before 4:00pm on 02/06/2020. Payment # 3: A minimum of $1,000.00 is due on or before 4:00pm on 03/06/2020. Payment # 4: A minimum of $1,000.00 is due on or before 4:00pm on 04/06/2020. Payment # 5: The remaining balance of the $7500.00 tuition is due on or before 4:00pm on 05/06/2020.

PROGRAM # 3

Payment #1: A minimum of $1,000.00 is due on or before 4:00pm on 06/08/2020. Payment # 2: A minimum of $1,000.00 is due on or before 4:00pm on 07/08/2020. Payment # 3: A minimum of $1,000.00 is due on or before 4:00pm on 08/08/2020. Payment # 4: A minimum of $1,000.00 is due on or before 4:00pm on 09/08/2020. Payment # 5: The remaining balance of the $7500.00 tuition is due on or before 4:00pm on 10/08/2020.

WITHDRAWAL

Students may voluntarily withdraw from the program at any time. A student who

withdraws or is dismissed from the program will not be readmitted to the current

program but would be eligible to apply to a subsequent program. A student who wishes

to voluntarily withdraw from the program must submit a signed withdrawal letter to the

Program Director.

REFUND POLICY

Upon written request for a refund, a student who withdraws from the course may be eligible to receive a partial refund as follows:

- Within 14 days of making Payment # 1 = refund of 50% of Payment # 1. - Within 7 days of making Payments # 2 through 5 = refund of 50% of the most

recent payment only. - A student who withdraws from the course outside of the above listed

parameters is not eligible to receive a refund of any kind.

PLEASE NOTE: No refund is available for any fees/costs that may have been paid for

items listed under the “Additional Costs” section of this brochure.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Course includes classroom & skills lab sessions as well as clinical rotations and a field

externship. Students must meet minimum physical capabilities of the Pennsylvania

Department of Health. In addition, the student is also responsible for the following

fees/costs, which are required to perform clinical rotations, and are not included in

the Tuition or Additional Costs outlined in this brochure.

• Parking at clinical and/or field sites when free parking is not available

• Expenses associated with travel to/from class, clinical, & field sites

• National Registry CBE (Written) exam

• Any retest(s) or site fees for the National Registry practical exams

• Background Clearances for: - Act 34 (PA state ePatch clearance) - Act 114 (PA Cogent FBI Fingerprint clearance) - Act 151 (Childline clearances)

• Mantoux (Tuberculin Skin Test)

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COURSE REQUIREMENTS CONTINUED

• Influenza Vaccine (Flu Shot)

• Proof of immunizations for: - Varicella Zoster (Chicken Pox)

- Rubella (German Measles) - Rubeola (Measles)

- Mumps

• Physical exam (if necessary, for PPD/Flu Shot, proof of immunizations)

• Blood Work (if necessary, for proof of immunizations)

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

In accordance with State and Federal guidelines the EmergyCare-UPMC-CEM Paramedic

Program prohibits and will not engage in discrimination or harassment on the basis of

race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, familial status,

sexual orientation, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the

Vietnam era.

ADA STATEMENT

EmergyCare Training Institute follows all policies for accommodations and special considerations as mandated by the PA DOH Special Considerations Policy. Students are required to be able to perform all practical skills in a manner that is customary to the EMS provider and is consistent with the National Registry of EMT’s Psycho-motor exam policies. When needed, accommodations will be made for students who request them, providing the request(s) can be done so without violating the policies of the PA DEPT. of Health and/or the National Registry of EMT’s.

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PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS

The following are required for the student to have successfully completed the program

and receive a Certificate of Completion. The Certificate of Completion is required for the

student to be eligible to take the state certifying exams.

• Successful completion of each course of the program

• Successful completion of all Clinical/Field Experience minimum

competencies

• Successful completion of the Capstone Field Internship

• Successful completion of the Program Final Summative Didactic Exam

• Successful completion of the Program Final Affective Assessment.

• No outstanding program tuition

• No more than 48 hours of excused absences

• Student ID badge returned

• Maintaining valid PA EMT certification throughout the program

• Maintaining valid CPR certification throughout the program

FUNCTIONAL JOB DESCRIPTION (1998 DOH NHTSA Paramedic Curriculum)

Paramedic Characteristics The Paramedic must be a confident leader who can accept the challenge and high degree of responsibility entailed in the position. The Paramedic must have excellent judgement and be able to prioritize decisions and act quickly in the best interest of the patient, must be self disciplined, able to develop patient rapport, interview hostile patients, maintain safe distance, and recognize and utilize communication unique to diverse multicultural groups and ages within those groups. Must be able to function independently at optimum level in a non-structured environment that is constantly changing. Even though the Paramedic is generally part of a two- person team generally working with a lower skill and knowledge level Basic EMT, it is the Paramedic who is held responsible for safe and therapeutic administration of drugs including narcotics. Therefore, the Paramedic must not only be knowledge about medications but must be able to apply this knowledge in a practical sense. Knowledge and practical application of medications include thoroughly knowing and understanding the general properties of all types of drugs including analgesics, anesthetics, anti-anxiety drugs, sedatives and hypnotics, anti-convulsants, central nervous stimulants, psychotherapeutics which include antidepressants, and other anti-psychotics, anticholerginics, cholergenics, muscle relaxants, anti-dysrythmics, anti-hypertensives, anticoagulants, diuretics, bronchodilators, opthalmics, pituitary drugs, gastro-intestinal drugs, hormones, antibiotics, antifungals, antiinflammatories, serums, vaccines, anti-parasitics, and others.

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The Paramedic is personally responsible, legally, ethically, and morally for each drug administered, for using correct precautions and techniques, observing and documenting the effects of the drugs administered, keeping one's own pharmacological knowledge- based current as to changes and trends in administration and use, keeping abreast of all contraindications to administration of specific drugs to patients based on their constitutional make-up, and using drug reference literature. The responsibility of the Paramedic includes obtaining a comprehensive drug history from the patient that includes names of drugs, strength, daily usage and dosage. The Paramedic must take into consideration that many factors, in relation to the history given, can affect the type medication to be given. For example, some patients may be taking several medications prescribed by several different doctors and some may lose track of what they have or have not taken. Some may be using nonprescription/over the counter drugs. Awareness of drug reactions and the synergistic effects of drugs combined with other medicines and in some instances, food, is imperative. The Paramedic must also take into consideration the possible risks of medication administered to a pregnant mother and the fetus, keeping in mind that drugs may cross the placenta.

The Paramedic must be cognizant of the impact of medications on pediatric patients based on size and weight, special concerns related to newborns, geriatric patients and the physiological effects of aging such as the way skin can tear in the geriatric population with relatively little to no pressure. There must be an awareness of the high abuse potential of controlled substances and the potential for addiction, therefore, the Paramedic must be thorough in report writing and able to justify why a particular narcotic was used and why a particular amount was given. The ability to measure and remeasure drip rates for controlled substances/medications is essential. Once medication is stopped or not used, the Paramedic must send back unused portions to proper inventory arena.

The Paramedic must be able to apply basic principles of mathematics to the calculation of problems associated with medication dosages, perform conversion problems, differentiate temperature reading between centigrade and Fahrenheit scales, be able to use proper advanced life support equipment and supplies ( i.e. proper size of intravenous needles) based on patient's age and condition of veins, and be able to locate sites for obtaining blood samples and perform this task, administer medication intravenously, administer medications by gastric tube, administer oral medications, administer rectal medications, and comply with universal pre-cautions and body substance isolation, disposing of contaminated items and equipment properly.

The Paramedic must be able to apply knowledge and skills to assist overdosed patients to overcome trauma through antidotes, and have knowledge of poisons and be able to administer treatment. The Paramedic must be knowledgeable as to the stages drugs/medications go through once they have entered the patient's system and be cognizant that route of administration is critical in relation to patient's needs and the effect that occurs. The Paramedic must also be capable of providing advanced life support emergency medical services to patients including conducting of and interpreting electrocardiograms (EKGs), electrical interventions to support the cardiac functions, performing advanced endotracheal intubations in airway management and relief of pneumothorax and administering of appropriate intravenous fluids and drugs under direction of off-site designated physician.

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The Paramedic is a person who must not only remain calm while working in difficult and stressful circumstances, but must be capable of staying focused while assuming the leadership role inherent in carrying out the functions of the position. Good judgement along with advanced knowledge and technical skills are essential in directing other team members to assist as needed. The Paramedic must be able to provide top quality care, concurrently handle high levels of stress, and be willing to take on the personal responsibility required of the position. This includes not only all legal ramifications for precise documentation, but also the responsibility for using the knowledge and skills acquired in real life threatening emergency situations.

The Paramedic must be able to deal with adverse and often dangerous situations which include responding to calls in districts known to have high crime and mortality rates. Self-confidence is critical, as is a desire to work with people, solid emotional stability, a tolerance for high stress, and the ability to meet the physical, intellectual, and cognitive requirements demanded by this position.

Physical Demands

Aptitudes required for work of this nature are good physical stamina, endurance, and body condition that would not be adversely affected by frequently having to walk, stand, lift, carry, and balance at times, in excess of 125 pounds. Motor coordination is necessary because over uneven terrain, the patient's, the Paramedic's, and other workers' wellbeing must not be jeopardized. Comments The Paramedic provides the most extensive pre-hospital care and may work for fire departments, private ambulance services, police departments or hospitals. Response times for nature of work are dependent upon nature of call. For example, a Paramedic working for a private ambulance service that transports the elderly from nursing homes to routine medical appointments and check-ups may endure somewhat less stressful circumstances than the Paramedic who works primarily with 911 calls in a districts known to have high crime rates. Thus, the particular stresses inherent in the role of the Paramedic can vary, depending on place and type of employment.

However, in general, in the analyst's opinion, the Paramedic must be flexible to meet the demands of the ever-changing emergency scene. When emergencies exist, the situation can be complex, and care of the patient must be started immediately. In essence, the Paramedic in the EMS system uses advanced training and equipment to extend emergency physician services to the ambulance. The Paramedic must be able to make accurate independent judgements while following oral directives. The ability to perform duties in a timely manner is essential, as it could mean the difference between life and death for the patient.

Use of the telephone or radio dispatch for coordination of prompt emergency services is required, as is a pager, depending on place of employment. Accurately discerning street names through map reading, and correctly distinguishing house numbers or business addresses are essential to task completion in the most expedient manner. Concisely and accurately describing

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orally to dispatcher and other concerned staff, one's impression of patient's condition, is critical as the Paramedic works in emergency conditions where there may not be time for deliberation. The Paramedic must also be able to accurately report orally and in writing, all relevant patient data. At times, reporting may require a detailed narrative on extenuating circumstances or conditions that go beyond what is required on a prescribed form. In some instances, the Paramedic must enter data on computer from a laptop in ambulance. Verbal skills and reasoning skills are used extensively.

How to Apply

Individuals who meet the requirements listed in the “Admissions Requirements” portion of this brochure should complete and submit an online application by the corresponding Application Deadline listed below:

Program Location Course Start Date Application Deadline

Program # 1 Grove City January 6, 2020 4:00pm on Friday, October 18, 2019

Program # 2 Erie January 8, 2020 4:00pm on Friday, October 18, 2019

Program # 3 Erie July 6, 2020 4:00pm on Friday, April 24, 2020

Online applications can be accessed by going to:

The EmergyCare-UPMC-CEM Paramedic Training Consortium reserves the right to cancel any program, at which time deposit/registration fees would be refunded. Enrollment is limited,

however late registrations will be accepted if space is available.

https://www.trainingcentertechnologies.com/emergycare/courseenrollment.aspx

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